Extended Education at Western Washington University Role and

Extended Education at Western Washington University Role and Prospects

The Task Force The Provost issued a challenge to study the role and direction of extended education at Western a task force was assembled to do so: Andy Bach Huxley College of the Environment Craig Dunn College of Business and Economics Marie Eaton Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies Jeanne Gaffney Admissions Dan Guyette College of Fine and Performing Arts Kathy Knutzen College of Humanities and Social Sciences Bruce Larson Woodring College of Education Leza Madsen Wilson Library Sherry Mallory Student Affairs and Academic Support Services Steven Vanderstaay Provost’s Office Terrell Williams Extended Education and Summer Programs Tjalling Ypma College of Sciences and Technology

A Synthesis of Various Definitions of Extended Education § Extended education: programs and courses, generally for credit or certification, delivered to students involved in courses or degree programs that involve off-campus, after hours, summer, independent learning, and other non-traditional arenas and formats. § Distance Learning: programs and courses involving students physically separated from instructors and typically involving some form of electronic delivery, typically online in either full computerbased or hybrid format. § Continuing education: a program of lifelong learning designed primarily for students who participate part-time, usually taken after a degree is obtained, to enhance personal or professional goals, often involving part-time or short-term educational activities or training, sometimes associated with completion certificates, but not typically resulting in university credit or degrees.

Who are Extended Education students? Among others, these include: § Working professionals unable to fit in regular daytime courses for degree completion, certification, or an advanced degree § Adult learners seeking enrichment or a degree § Retirees and youth § Unemployed or underemployed seeking new skills § Students unable to get to campus – because of remote location, disabled, military, prisoners, financial or family difficulty, etc. § Persons around the world seeking education away from campus § Traditional students unable to get a filled regular campus class § Students who have left school needing just a few courses to graduate or some preparation for graduate study

A Few of the Needs of Extended Education Students § § § § Flexible schedules Retraining and certification Extended library hours and services Degree completion Advising for returning adult students Unique classroom alternatives (including distance learning and accelerated programs) Tutoring and study skills assistance Organizations and support groups for adult students

Some Benefits of Extended Education § Course offering options and flexibility for colleges and departments § Faculty opportunities for service and income § Enhanced course access and degree completion for students § Community outreach and awareness from a broader audience across the state § Attraction of potential students (particularly out-ofstate) through independent learning (correspondence) and on-line courses § Revenue generation for the university

Western’s Involvement in Extended Education § Last year there were more than 13, 000 participants in extended education offerings. § During that time, nearly 50, 000 student credit hours were generated in extended education activities. § This year it is estimated that Extended Education and Summer Programs (EESP) programs will produce some $9, 000 in gross revenue, including summer session, while returning roughly $3, 000 to various areas of the university.

The Charge to the Task Force § Develop a role description for extended education with consideration to the balance among academic program quality, service, and revenue generation § Advance vision and mission statements for extended education § Recommend an appropriate structure for the organization and delivery of extended education § Define the relevant constituencies for extended education § Establish long range goals for extended education § Recommend goals for the development of extended degree programs and distance learning initiatives § Prepare and deliver a white paper detailing recommendations for the administration, structure, and growth of extended education at Western

Recommendations of the Extended Education Task Force The overriding recommendation of the task force is that extended education efforts should grow significantly across the campus. We believe that a consolidated and strengthened extended education effort and an expanded role for Extended Education and Summer Programs (EESP) can better serve the university and our students.

Recommendations of the Extended Education Task Force 1. Western’s Mission Statement and Extended Education We strongly feel that the mission of the university should emphasize Western’s commitment to extended education, and we propose the following University mission statement for extended education: Through extended education, Western Washington University enhances educational opportunities and meets diverse learning needs by extending access to the academic and instructional resources of the University into the community, throughout the state, and around the globe. Extended education offers quality courses and programs that are readily accessible to current students and to the wider community, supports learners of all ages and backgrounds in achieving their educational goals, and fosters lifelong learning.

Recommendations of the Extended Education Task Force 1. Western’s Mission Statement and Extended Education We strongly feel that the mission of the university should emphasize Western’s commitment to extended education, and we and propose the following University vision statement for extended education: Western Washington University will provide quality extended educational opportunities to Western students and others throughout the state and elsewhere. WWU will extend its educational opportunities to selected groups not adequately served through traditional offerings. An increased public presence will provide additional resources to both the community and the University.

Recommendations of the Extended Education Task Force 2. Constituencies Extended education at Western should target students who are unable to avail themselves of traditional on-campus course work, including those who cannot get into filled sections or have not been able to complete graduation requirements on campus. We should work with academic departments to expand Western’s outreach to traditional and non-traditional students. In addition, the non-credit programs help build strong ties with various non-student groups in the community.

Recommendations of the Extended Education Task Force 3. Program Expansion & Role Extended education should play a much stronger role in the future. We recommend the following: § Provide a wide range of educational opportunities made available via multiple venues, flexible scheduling and a variety of instructional media; make education available “wherever and whenever” students require it § Encourage innovative extended education instructional strategies and applications § Convert courses approved for traditional on-campus delivery to a distance learning format § Offer a wide array of credit and non-credit programs that reflect the expertise of Western’s faculty and meet the educational needs of students

Recommendations of the Extended Education Task Force 3. Program Expansion & Role Extended education should play a much stronger role in the future. We recommend the following: § Develop and support short-term international travel-study programs and other enrichment activities that serve traditional and non-traditional students. § Provide non-credit events that participants find useful, meaningful, and rewarding. § Leverage the Western brand by serving non-traditional students wherever they may be with the quality education for which Western is known. § Extended education is largely self-sustaining and should be generating a consistent and substantial revenue stream for the university.

Recommendations of the Extended Education Task Force 4. Academic Standards All extended education offerings and programs must comply with the high academic standards associated with traditional on-campus programs. EESP is responsible for the administration, support, and promotion of extended education; however, departments and colleges have full responsibility and authority regarding course and program approval, content, and quality, including assessment. Standards and policies at the department and college level would ensure instructional quality in all extended education offerings.

Recommendations of the Extended Education Task Force 5. Administration of Extended Education Further centralize the administration of extended education activities at Western. A Vice Provost should head the division of Extended Education and Summer Programs. EESP should continue to offer a centralized service to the campus providing programming, promotion, support services, and resources to support faculty and instructional staff.

Recommendations of the Extended Education Task Force 6. Funding Currently, funding for extended education is largely self-sustaining. The task force recommends that the university make modest investments in growth areas and develop an improved model for revenue sharing with colleges and departments. We recommend exploring and implementing opportunities for revenue growth in current extended education programs. As state funding diminishes, courses and programs may shrink or disappear; students will have a harder time accessing needed classes, and class sizes could grow substantially.

Recommendations of the Extended Education Task Force 7. Formulation of Academic Affairs Policy To assure consistent implementation of the recommendations accepted by the faculty from this task force report, Academic Affairs should formulate a policy statement addressing extended education, including the following: Definition, purpose, and scope Organization and responsibilities for the administration Establish procedures and approval processes for the development of courses and programs